Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs

Cooling your home this summer can add a significant amount to your electric bill, but there are steps that you can take to reduce your bill. Whether you have a window air conditioner or central air conditioning, these tips will help reduce air conditioning costs this summer.

Unit Size

When buying a new air conditioning unit, make sure it is the right size for your home. If the unit is too small, it will work harder to cool the space, which wastes electricity. Bigger isn’t better, because it will work harder and use more power than you would need if the unit were the right size.

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is measured as a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Look for a unit with a SEER number of 13 or higher. If you live in a very warm climate, look for a SEER of 14 or higher. Energy efficient units typically cost more to buy, but will save you money on energy bills.

Maintenance

Performing regular maintenance on your air conditioner helps it run more efficiently, which saves you money. Hire an HVAC professional at the beginning of the season to inspect the unit and make any necessary repairs. Change the filter every month during the summer to keep the unit running smoothly.

Temperature Control

Consider adding a programmable thermostat to your central air conditioning to raise the temperature when you are not at home. Set the unit to 78 degrees in the evening and on the weekends, but raise it to 85 degrees when you will be gone all day.

Shrubs and Trees

You can help your home stay cooler by planting trees and shrubs around your home to block the sunlight. But keep shrubs and trees away from your air conditioner’s condenser because they can block air circulation, which makes the unit work harder.

Ceiling Fans

Add energy efficient ceiling fans in your home ton use them on warm days so you do not have to use the air conditioner. If you do have to turn on the air conditioning unit, use fans to circulate the cool air. Turn off ceiling fans when no one is in the room so you don’t waste energy.

Insulation

Heat can enter your home through the roof, so make sure your attic is ventilated. Seal small leaks in your foundation or around windows and utilities with caulk to prevent air leaks. Drafty windows and chimneys can cause you to lose a considerable amount of air that you have already paid to cool.

If you are buying a new unit, try to get an energy efficient model to help you save money on energy bills. If you can not buy a new unit this year, you can still save money on air conditioning costs with these tips.

4 Comments

Monique
June 26, 2014

If you can’t afford an air conditioner, and have a large freezer, fill large plastic container with water and freeze. take large bowl, place about a foot in front of your fan and turn it on! just like a cool breeze. Also, try sitting outside in the shade with your feet in about 10″ of lukewarm water, (not cold) Cools you right off

What a useful guideline to save money on air conditioning cost. You are truly right; having this machine in your house doesn’t have to be that expensive, if you know what things to consider when choosing one. These tips are notable. Thanks for sharing!